IRS E-File Available for Extension Filers through Aug. 15 and Beyond

IR-2005-75, July 20, 2005

WASHINGTON — Taxpayers and tax professionals who filed for an extension can use e-file to file their 2004 tax returns, the Internal Revenue Service announced today.

The IRS expects some 10 million taxpayers to file after the April 15 deadline. Among them are those who received an automatic four-month filing extension to Aug. 15 and those granted an additional two-month extension to Oct. 17 because of certain hardships.

“Extension filers should take a few minutes and look into the benefits of IRS e-file,“ said IRS Commissioner Mark W. Everson. “IRS e-file is the preferred method for taxpayers who want their taxes done fast. It’s accurate, secure and easy to use.”

E-file is also the best option for taxpayers who need to file, but did not get an extension. E-file speeds the return to the IRS, reducing penalty and interest amounts for those who owe taxes.

In addition to e-file, several private companies participating in the Free File program will provide free return preparation and e-filing services to eligible taxpayers through mid-October. Almost all taxpayers qualify for Free File, which is available on IRS.gov.

Aug. 15 is also the last time that TeleFile can be used to file tax forms of any kind. The IRS is discontinuing the TeleFile system — using a telephone to file basic tax returns and extensions — because of declining use and the growth of other electronic filing alternatives, such as Free File.

Of the more than 126 million tax returns filed through early July, more than 67 million were filed electronically — 11 percent more than last year. Of those, more than 5 million came through Free File, a 46 percent increase from last year.

This year marks the first time that more than half of all taxpayers filed electronically, with paper filers now in the minority. More than 53 percent have filed electronically so far this year.